The United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) has announced it will shut down half of its clinics in Nigeria this month, citing significant funding shortfalls. The agency stated that ongoing aid cuts have made it impossible to sustain its current level of operations, forcing the closure of facilities that provide critical nutrition and health services to vulnerable populations.
This decision comes amidst escalating humanitarian challenges in Nigeria, where ongoing conflicts and economic instability have led to food insecurity affecting millions. The WFP’s clinics in regions such as Borno and Adamawa have been vital in offering nutritional support, especially to children and pregnant women. The reduction in services is expected to exacerbate malnutrition rates unless additional funding and aid are secured swiftly.
The agency emphasized its commitment to continue delivering aid where possible, but warned that without increased financial support from the international community, further reductions in services are likely. Humanitarian organizations warn that the closures could have severe consequences for vulnerable populations, potentially reversing gains made in recent years to combat hunger and malnutrition in Nigeria’s affected areas.